It's a feeling every boater is going to experience and if that moment hasn't occurred, rest assured it will. A key is turned in an ignition or a starter rope is pulled on an outboard and...nothing. The first reaction is always that there must be some mistake and the key or starter rope is given a second chance. It's a bad feeling.

The good news is that BoatU.S. Members have 24/7 dispatch and towing available from TowBoatU.S. and Vessel Assist. Most have opted for the unlimited towing level---if something goes wrong during a year, they are covered for getting the boat back to the boat ramp or marina. Call it peace of mind.

But before a call is made on VHF 16 or to the BoatU.S. Dispatch Center for a tow, there are a few items to check. Many times, it's something simple; something you can fix on the spot. BoatU.S. Trailering spoke with six towing captains about what they'd suggest to be inspected prior to making a phone call for assistance.

Captain Philip Delano
Vessel Assist,
California Delta

(1) Make sure the vessel is in neutral. The engine won't start if it's in gear. Look at the neutral safety switch on the throttle/gearshift at the helm. It is all too common for the shift to have been left or inadvertently moved into gear.

(2) Make sure the dead man switch/
lanyard is in place. Common on outboards, this is usually a red cord that should be attached to the operator. It also has to be inserted into the kill switch (on some models) so that the engine will operate.

(3) Make sure no lines are in the water around the prop. A prop that is tangled isn't going to work. The engine will start but if it shuts down when put into gear, chances are good the prop is fouled.

Captain Jay Nunnally
TowBoatU.S. Lake Lewisville, Texas

(1) We have a lot of bass boats on Lake Lewisville and many are part of fishing tournaments, including the BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship held every May. I get calls for jump-starts because bass boat fishermen have a battery for their aerator to keep fish alive in the fishing well, a battery for their trolling motor and then a battery for everything else. Or there are calls from boaters at the "Party Cove" along the north shore of the lake where they will drop anchor, turn on their DVD players for five hours and then when they try to start the engine, there's not enough power to get it going.

(2) In a case like this, it's always good to pay attention to the battery switch-which is used to switch from one battery to another. Some folks with two batteries don't know they should run the engine on just one battery and then run everything else on the second battery. That way, you'll always have power to start the engine.

Captain Kevin Collins
TowBoatU.S.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

(1) Fuel issues are a common problem in twin engine applications; if both engines die simultaneously, this is a good indication of a fuel-related problem and you should check the following:
-Check the in-line fuel filter for obstructions and ensure there is ample fuel flow.
-Check the water separation fuel filter for contaminated fuel, drain and refill as needed.
- Ensure all filters and fuel lines are intact and secure so they do not draw air into the system, check all connections and seals visually for holes or leaks.
- Outboard motors will have a fuel ball or a squeeze ball to prime the engine, this is located on the fuel line that is connected at the front of the motor. Pump the ball until firm to verify you have sufficient fuel. Check that the fuel vent is open on a portable tank.

(2) If a boat has been running but stalls, check the following:
-Battery voltage---electronic-controlled motors require a minimum voltage level to operate as do some diesel engines; check connections and isolate battery switch if necessary.
- Check the fuel level.
-Check overheat and low oil pressure alarms; many modern engines will disable themselves or operate at a limited capacity during these critical conditions.
- In an overheat situation, check the raw-water intake; you will find the intake on outboard and I/O motors near the bottom of the drive leg at the vented area.
- If low on engine oil, add as needed.

Captain Lee Eckler
TowBoatU.S. Tarpon Springs, Florida

(1) Check for a loose connection on the battery terminal. It may seem you've got a dead battery, but many times all that has to be done is tighten the nut on the battery post.

(2) Remember too that regardless if you have an outboard or an inboard or an I/O, all engines operate on the same principle: It needs fuel, it needs electricity and it needs air. If one of those isn't available, the engine isn't going to start. Check fuel level, check the battery connection and charge, and make sure the vent cap (if applicable) on the gas tank is open-fuel, electricity and air.

Captain Hamilton Gale
TowBoatU.S.
Annapolis, Maryland

(1) Check the fuel in the tank, despite what your gas gauge has been reading. Fuel gauges are "the weak link" in a fuel system and many times will be reading "full" when the tank is empty. That's the cause of a significant number of calls from folks on the water saying their engine won't start. When I get there, the engine is fine but there's no gas in the tank.
(2) If the battery and engine terminals (including the ground on the engine block) look clean, check the fuses. A lot of outboards have a built-in spare fuse that people don't know about. It's usually inside the engine housing.

(3) A jet ski shouldn't be operated in shallow water. A Member took their jet ski up a creek while the tide was out and started sucking in mud from the bottom. That stopped the engine. I pulled it out of the shallows and eventually the jet ski was able to clear itself. It started up after being towed for a few minutes.

Captain Tom Hurst
TowBoatU.S. Manasquan,
New Jersey
TowBoatU.S. Tower of the Year 2009

(1) The most important thing you can do occurs before you go out on the water: know your engine. Read the manual and understand the codes and beeps the engine will make that appear on the dashboard. We're in a high technology time and engines can't be fixed by banging on the starter with a hammer as was the case years ago. So know your boat because a number of the "beeps" can be fixed quickly (i.e. add oil, overheating because the water intake is obstructed).

(2) The safety lanyard on the outboard (if applicable) is the first thing to check. It's the cause of a majority of calls to TowBoatU.S. It may look like it's properly set on the engine but take the time to touch it and ensure it's in the proper position.

BoatU.S. Towing provides a variety of service levels designed for everyone's needs on the water. Plans range from Basic Towing ($18/year) that takes $150 per incident off the bill to Unlimited Gold Saltwater and Freshwater Towing ($157/year) which provides the extra benefit of towing from your dock or mooring to a repair facility as well as unlimited towing at sea to your home dock, repair facility or boat ramp.

For more information, go to
www.BoatUS.com/towing/services.asp